Originally Posted by
neo_styles
First, and I don't want to be presumptuous, but a lot of local builders probably don't know how to take into account all the other T-S parameters that make up how a sub is going to perform in a particular enclosure. They'll simply look at the enclosure volume specs and leave it at that. For the price, I actually ended up spending LESS, even with shipping, and got a WAY better enclosure going through Starr Mountain Sound (first reference I gave you). Take some dimensions of where the enclosure would go and send him a PM asking for a quote. Now ask your local builder what he'll charge for the same dimensions and see what he'll say. At least then you'll have an educated opinion.
As for the amps, it's not a golden rule to never go major manufacturer, it's just that you tend to spend more as a result. The Hifonics you mentioned could actually perform quite well, it's just that Maxxsonics (the parent company) has kinda forsaken what made their daughter companies so good for the sake of their profit margins. At around 200 bucks, you might want to look at the PPI Phantom P1000.1 (190 at SonicElectronix) or Audioque Q1-750 (199). Raising your budget will allow you to get something considerably more solid, though, without having to look used. Something like a AQ2200D which has more power than you're looking for at the moment, but allows you to upgrade to a second SA12 in the future if you so choose. Otherwise, if you're stuck at the 200 or less, look at the PPI or try to find something in the classifieds.